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Ride the Rockies cyclists crash on Hardscrabble Pass switchbacks

By Kiki TurnerThe Denver Post

Posted:
06/15/2013 07:50:57 PM MDT

Updated:
06/15/2013 07:58:24 PM MDT

Numerous Ride the Rockies cyclists crashed and were sent to the hospital on Friday as they attempted to maneuver the descent of Hardscrabble Pass in Custer County, a treacherous hill added to the route when the course was altered for Royal Gorge fire road closures.

According to Ride the Rockies tour director Chandler Smith, the changed course was approved by the Colorado Department of Transportation and deemed suitable for riders.

"Safety is our number one priority. We won't send people on anything we don't think they can handle," said Smith.

Riders reported crashes that sent people over guard rails while biking switchbacks along the downhill section of the pass.

A charge nurse at St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City confirmed cyclists came in Friday but all were examined, treated and released.

Smith admits there were crashes, but said large bike tours like Ride the Rockies — about 2,000 cyclists signed up — often result in some injuries.

Smith said some cyclists were injured but that "most of them have been treated and released."

A charge nurse at St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City confirmed that cyclists came in Friday. All were examined, treated and released.

"Hardscrabble Pass has three to four large, sweeping switchbacks," Smith said. He said the switchbacks were not significantly different or harder than other passes along the course, but multiple shuttles stopped between Salida and Cañon City to offer cyclists a ride over the pass if the hill was too difficult.

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While there were no alternations to Saturday's course, which took riders from Cañon City to Colorado Springs.

However, Colorado State Patrol trooper Jeff Kramer said 10 ambulance calls were made to treat cyclists injured in crashes Saturday.

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